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An Analysis of the Impact of WannaCry Cyberattack on Cybersecurity Stock Returns

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Abstract

This research examines the impact of the WannaCry cyberattack, considered to be the defining event for cyber threats, on stock returns of companies operating in the cybersecurity industry on the first trading day after the event. The aim is to ascertain whether the reaction of stock prices on this day could be classified as abnormal and which direction they follow. The expectation is for a demand shift for the products and services offered by these firms and consequently stock markets should reflect this new information in equity prices. Literature has mostly focused on natural catastrophes and lately on man-made catastrophes like terror attacks. This study explores the emerging area of cyberattacks which could develop into catastrophic situations. Event-study methodology is employed for the analysis of this specific event and results clearly indicate that WannaCry had a positive effect on the equity returns of cybersecurity companies and cybersecurity investment vehicles.

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  • Daniel Castillo & Joseph Falzon, 2018. "An Analysis of the Impact of WannaCry Cyberattack on Cybersecurity Stock Returns," Review of Economics & Finance, Better Advances Press, Canada, vol. 13, pages 93-100, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bap:journl:180308
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    Cited by:

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    2. Say Keat Ooi & Chai Aun Ooi & Jasmine A. L. Yeap & Tok Hao Goh, 2021. "Embracing Bitcoin: users’ perceived security and trust," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 55(4), pages 1219-1237, August.
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    4. Bruce Morley, 2023. "The Effects of Direct Democracy on Stock Market Risk and Returns: An Event Study from Switzerland," Risks, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    WannaCry Cyberattack; Ransomware; Stock returns; Event-study; Cybersecurity industry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies

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